In this post, we present an example of an IPv6 network operation, based on a home network setup that is a PC (Windows) and a box (an internet box provided by an ISP that supports IPv6). In the first paragraphs, we talk about some general motivations to use IPv6 instead of IPv4. Then, we present our network setup that is up and working, before we deep into understanding its basic operation.
Still IPv4?
Historically, an IPv4 is doing just fine to connect networks and hosts in general, and particularily, home networks (PC, printer, or other IP devices behind an internet box or a router) to our preferred ISP, an internet (as a service) provider, until many limitations arise mostly related to networks and applications exponential growth and their huge demand on the available address space, some advanced security schemes support, QoS (quality of service) and more other aspects related to the operation of these networks.
IPv6 motivations
IPv6 was presented as a solution to many of those limitations : almost infinite address space, the structure of the IP address itself provides support and integration of many protocols, ease of operation, security support, etc. and my preferred, one interface could have multiples purpose IP addresses… (this is not present in IPv4 or very limited to a secondary of fallback same purpose IP).
